Accident Sequence
The airplane came into contact with a corn crop following a loss of control during the takeoff roll. After the incident, the aircraft came to rest within the crop.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that during the takeoff, at an airspeed of approximately 50 miles per hour, the right aft corner of the hopper lid became unsecured. The fungicide stored in the hopper then sprayed out and covered the windshield, severely limiting visibility. Due to hazards present on both sides and at the end of the runway, the pilot decided it was best to continue the takeoff at full power rather than abort. The pilot was able to see through the lower right corner of the windshield, which was only partially obscured. However, shortly thereafter, the pilot lost control of the airplane. The lower left wing contacted the corn crop on the left edge of the airstrip, and the airplane was turned into the crop before coming to rest.
Post-Accident Inspection
An inspection of the right rear latch on the double gang-bar type latch revealed that the latch was bent. The bent latch may have contributed to the hopper lid becoming unsecured during takeoff.